Marriage can be tough. That shouldn't surprise anyone who's said their I-Dos. But when at least one person in the relationship is a celebrity, the couple faces some unique challenges. Many famous married people quickly went their separate ways, with some splitting after just a few months. A few high-profile examples include Jim Carrey and Lauren Holly, as well as Ali Landry and Mario Lopez, who were married for only 18 days.
On the flip side, many celebrity couples weather the pressures of fame and maintain long-lasting marriages. Notable examples include Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, as well as Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem. Among these couples, Ron Howard and his wife, Cheryl Howard, stand out. Their story is often described with the word "soulmates," as they met at a young age and have shared a beautiful life together. As of February 2023, they have been married for almost five decades and raised four children together.
This article shares some sweet facts about their time together, which will surely make you say "Awww." From their high school romance to their enduring love, Ron and Cheryl Howard's journey is inspiring and heartwarming. Join us as we explore the charming details of their relationship that continue to touch the hearts of many.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Ron Howard
- Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard Met as Teens
- The Three Things That Make Their Marriage Work
- Ron and Cheryl Recreated Their First Date
- He Had to Get Sneaky to See Cheryl as a Teenager
- Cheryl Howard is in Every One of Her Husband's Films
- Clint Howard Remembers How Taken His Brother Was
- Ron and Cheryl Love Hiking and Traveling Together
- Their Relationship Inspires Many
- Ron Gushes About Cheryl's Looks
- They Lived on a Farm
Biography of Ron Howard
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ron Howard |
| Date of Birth | March 1, 1954 |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Producer |
| Spouse | Cheryl Howard |
| Children | 4 |
| Years Active | 1959 - Present |
Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard Met as Teens
Maybe it has to do with love songs or romantic movies. We often hear about high school sweethearts who stay together into adulthood, get married, and live happily ever after. However, it's reported that less than 2% of high school sweethearts actually wed. Ron and Cheryl Howard are part of that rare group as they met at John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California, during their junior year.
What's even more unique about their relationship is that Ron was never interested in anyone else after meeting Cheryl. While many couples might have explored relationships with others before returning to their true love, Ron and Cheryl's bond has remained steadfast. As Ron famously shared in an interview, "I met her, and there was never anybody else."
The Three Things That Make Their Marriage Work
If you search online for advice on making a marriage work, you'll find an abundance of books and expert opinions. However, Ron Howard believes that making a marriage work boils down to three key elements: communication, luck, and compatibility. In a 2019 interview, he emphasized the importance of communication, stating, "There's no technique. There's no tactic other than communication is really important."
Ron acknowledged that while effective communication is essential, other factors play a role in marital success. He mentioned that sometimes, couples grow apart, and that their natural connection has helped them overcome challenges. "There's an element of luck because people either grow together or they don't," he said. Their compatibility has endured through various experiences, contributing to their lasting relationship.
Ron and Cheryl Recreated Their First Date
By the time Ron Howard met Cheryl Howard in high school, he was already a notable figure, having starred as Opie Taylor in "The Andy Griffith Show." Interestingly, their first date was far from extravagant. Instead of a fancy dinner, they went to see a movie and grabbed pizza, just like any other teenage couple. Ron fondly shared the details of their first date on Instagram as they celebrated its fiftieth anniversary.
On November 1, 1970, Ron and Cheryl watched a re-release of "It's a Mad Mad Mad World" and enjoyed pizza at a now-defunct restaurant in Toluca Lake. Fast forward five decades, and they still celebrate their love with the same kind of simple joys, driving the same '70 VW Bug that Ron used to pick Cheryl up in on their first date.
He Had to Get Sneaky to See Cheryl as a Teenager
High school romances can be filled with excitement and challenges. Young love often faces parental restrictions, and Ron Howard was no exception. Cheryl's father allowed her only two dates a week with Ron, which meant he had to get creative to see her more often. To circumvent this limitation, Ron pretended to join the cross-country team and jogged by Cheryl's house in the mornings.
If her father wasn't home, the couple would sneak out for breakfast or share secret moments together. Reflecting on this, Ron admitted that he never thought to ask if his parents actually believed his ruse. This playful approach to young love showcases their commitment to each other even in their teenage years.
Cheryl Howard is in Every One of Her Husband's Films
Ron Howard, like many successful directors, faces a lot of pressure in his career. However, he has a unique ritual that brings joy to his work: he ensures Cheryl appears in every single one of his films. Ron refers to her as his "lucky charm," stating, "We had to greenscreen her into 'Solo.' I cut the scene that she was in, and I felt badly about it." This tradition began when they were teenagers, as Cheryl played a saloon girl in Ron's first film.
Including Cheryl in his projects not only highlights their bond but also allows them to share their lives creatively. Ron's commitment to his wife is evident, as he prioritizes their relationship even amid the demands of Hollywood.
Clint Howard Remembers How Taken His Brother Was
Clint Howard, Ron's younger brother, has witnessed the love story between Ron and Cheryl unfold. He recalls how mesmerized Ron was when he first met Cheryl, reflecting on their early days as a couple. As Ron shared a nostalgic photo of them from their teenage years, Clint commented on the deep connection he observed between them, saying, "She had you wrapped around her finger." This sentiment speaks volumes about the lasting bond they have cultivated over the years.
In 2021, Ron and Clint co-authored a memoir titled "The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family," where they included insights into Ron and Cheryl's love story. Having a witness to one's life is invaluable, and Clint's memories contribute to the rich tapestry of Ron and Cheryl's relationship.
Ron and Cheryl Love Hiking and Traveling Together
Despite Ron Howard's busy schedule as a renowned director, he and Cheryl make a conscious effort to spend quality time together. Their shared passion for hiking and traveling is evident in the beautiful photos Ron has shared on social media. From picturesque locations in Australia to scenic spots in Massachusetts, their adventures reflect their zest for life and love.
The couple even celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary in France, showcasing their commitment to creating lasting memories together. Ron often expresses appreciation for Cheryl, highlighting her contributions to their family and the joy she brings to his life.
Their Relationship Inspires Many
Ron and Cheryl's love story resonates with many people, as evidenced by the heartfelt comments they receive on social media.
